SIGNS OF MOUTH AND THROAT DISEASE

Signs of Mouth and Throat Disease

by Alvin Febrianth, DRH

The oral cavity is the first digestive organ consisting of the tongue, teeth and gums and salivary glands. Therefore, if there are problems on both the oral cavity problems with teeth, gums or tongue it will affect to another digestive system. Because the oral cavity is first entered and processed of food. The next digestive system will be underemployed or just working too hard a result of food processing is not perfect due to problems in the oral cavity. Therefore, as an owner of a dog or cat we have to know the symptoms of a pet when they have diseases in the oral cavity.

            Before discussing any symptoms that usually appear if there are problems in the oral cavity, we must understand what is contained in the oral cavity and any difference in cats or dogs. The mouth is bounded on the front and sides by the lips and cheeks, above by the hard and soft palate, and below by the tongue and muscles of the floor of the mouth. Four pairs of salivary glands drain into the mouth. The pharynx is a space formed by the nasal passages joining with the back of the mouth. Food is kept from going into the lungs by the epiglottis, a flap like valve that closes off the larynx and the trachea when the cat swallows, sending food down the esophagus instead.

In the oral cavity there are difference teeth in dogs and cats. The average adult cat has 30 teeth. This is 2 fewer than humans and 12 fewer than dogs. Cats’ teeth are designed for grasping, cutting, tearing, and shredding. The back teeth, like those in the front, are pointed and sharp. They are not designed to grind food. As a cat grasps a piece of meat with her front claws, she bites down on it with the four canine teeth (the fangs) in Front, scissors the meat between her back teeth, and tears off a mouthful that is swallowed without chewing.

Other organ in the oral cavity is the tongue. The surface of the cat’s tongue has sharp hooks that are directed inward; Forward the back of the throat. Hair clings to the rough tongue, making it an ideal comb for self-grooming. The tongue will feel rough if your cat licks you. Unlike some animals, cats also are unlikely to lick their wounds extensively because the tongue’s rough surface causes pain. The saliva secreted contained antibacterial enzymes that help wounds healing process.

There are several symptoms that appear when a cat or dog has problems in the oral cavity. Symptoms are most often seen a cat or dog had poor appetite or even not eating at all. This is one of the first indications of mouth disease. In this case, not eating is caused by mouth pain rather than loss of appetite. The cat will often sit beside the food dish, giving every indication of wanting to eat, and may even begin eating, then drop the food quickly. If you attempt to examine the mouth, the cat draws back and struggles to escape. Not eating is a serious problem in cats. Even going 24 hours without food can cause changes in liver function.

In cats will look their hair looks unkempt. Because the mouth is used for grooming, another indication of a cat with a sore mouth is lack of grooming. When grooming is accompanied by drooling, the hair on the cat’s chin and chest may be dirty and wet. A painful mouth is one of the main causes for drooling. The drool may be discolored—either brown or red from infection or bleeding.

Other symptoms often seen are bad breath or halitosis. A persistent, disagreeable odor from the mouth is abnormal. The cause should be determined so proper treatment can be given. Some causes of bad breath are stomatitis and gingivitis. Excess tartar on the teeth is another cause of bad breath. A cat with bad breath that drools and resists having her mouth opened may be suffering from an infection or a cancer in the mouth. She should be seen by a veterinarian. Kidney disease can contribute to bad breath and/or cause oral ulcers.

In cats or dogs that are mouth disorder usually shows reflexes such as coughing or choking. This usually happens if there are foreign objects in the mouth that made her sick, so it wants to spew it. In some cases a cat or dog looks hard to open the mouth or visible difficulty in swallowing, although only water. This happens usually because there is a problem in the jaw or neck.

Of the symptoms that have been mentioned, not all appear in the mouth problems. Many problems can be diagnosed by examining the mouth of the lips, teeth and oral cavity. But we must be careful not to be forced when performing oral examination if a cat or dog had oral pain. Immediately take it to the vet if you see a dog or cat's have mouth problems. Veterinarians will examine further the cause of the mouth disorder. The vet will also provide medicine and will usually suggest replacing feed wet or soft form to help your dog or cat to swallow.

 Sumber Pustaka :

Carlson, D.G. and J.M. Griffin. 2008. Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. Third Edition.

Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Carlson, D.G. and J.M. Griffin. 2007. Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. Third Edition.

Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey